How To Effectively Maintain Your Outdoor Plumbing
When you think about plumbing, your mind almost always wanders toward sinks, toilets, showers, pipes, and other fixtures inside the home. However, outdoor plumbing is equally as important to the functionality of your entire plumbing system. Neglecting its maintenance can affect your wallet and peace of mind. Discover how to effectively maintain your outdoor plumbing and what signs to look for to prevent such stress.
Inspect Your Outdoor Spigots
When you turn the handle on your spigot to the left, water should flow freely, providing ample pressure for your water hose or a drink on a hot day. If it’s a trickle, it’s usually one of two issues:
- The valve from the water line to your spigot is off, possibly due to your winterization process. Pull the handle to allow free water flow as normal.
- You have a cracked pipe leading to the spigot.
Seek professional help immediately to prevent further issues or leaks in your home’s interior if your valve is in the on position and you suspect a crack.
Pro Tip: If water is squirting between your hose and spigot, the rubber washer on your hose is probably worn. Replace it with a new one for about $0.50, and you’re back in business. This and many more tips are available to you by our team of San Mateo Plumbers.
Get Regular Septic Tank Inspections
Septic tanks are essential for sewage removal in your home, but if you don’t maintain them, you could find raw sewage backing up into your home — something no one wants.
Depending on the size and condition of your septic tank, you should schedule an inspection and pumping every three to five years. You should also keep certain items out of your plumbing system to prevent any potential clogs, including:
- Cigarette butts
- Oil and grease
- Sanitary products
- Hazardous chemicals
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts clogged with debris can cause substantial damage to your home, including wood rot, flooding, or even foundation cracks due to hydrostatic pressure. As such, keeping them clean is essential.
Generally, you should clean your gutters and downspouts every spring and fall, allowing water to flow freely into the sewer. If you have numerous trees in your yard, you may want to clean your gutters more frequently — or at least inspect them every month or two to ensure they’re working.
Examine Your Plumbing Vent Pipe
A plumbing vent pipe is a type of pipe that exits your home to allow gases and odors to dissipate while allowing water to flow freely. Since the pipe often exits through the ceiling, it can become clogged with debris or bird nests. Examine these pipes about once every six months to keep this vent pipe clean.
When In Doubt, Get Professional Help
Not every DIYer can tackle issues with outdoor plumbing, so don’t feel slighted if you’re not up to the task. You may not have the time or knowledge, or you may just want the project done right the first time.
Whatever your reason, hiring a plumber can alleviate the stress associated with outdoor plumbing problems or potential catastrophes. Call our plumbers in the Bay Area at Express Plumbin to schedule an appointment and take the hassle and guesswork out of your outdoor plumbing debacle.
